Accidental Herndon House Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

News Release
13-29
Date: March 25, 2013

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house
fire, Saturday, March 23, 2013, at approximately 11:25 p.m., in the
Herndon area of Fairfax County. The single family home is located at 2616
Armada Street.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the outside
rear of the split-level home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an
aggressive exterior fire attack and brought the fire under control in
approximately 20 minutes. The occupants were home when the fire broke out
and escaped unharmed. The home had working smoke alarms. Two adults and
several pets have been displaced. Red Cross support was offered but
declined by the occupants. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $165,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. An outside
energized lighting circuit caused the fire.

Electrical Safety Tips

Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.

Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

If your power goes out a lot or the lights in your home flicker, smell bad, or make noise, have an electrician come in to inspect your wiring.

The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This is a tool that protects you from dangerous shock when water and electricity come together. An electrician can install a GFCI for you.

All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”

When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.

Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.

Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

Don’t tie or knot electrical cords.

Don’t let furniture sit on electrical cords.

Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Captain I Randal Bittinger,
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY: 711.
Duty PIO (Weekends/After-hours): 703-877-3702
Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs,
services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.
4100 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030fire-rescue.PA-LSEAfairfaxcounty.gov